Arsenal youngster breaks Cesc Fabregas record as Arteta makes bold decision

Arsenal in the past few years have become famous for giving young players the opportunity to play at the highest level rather than splashing huge cash on experience players.

This trend has helped the Gunners build a formidable squad and this has continue under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. The Spanish tactician has now seen another record under his watch.

On Wednesday night, Arsenal faced Bolton in the round four match of the Carabao Cup and Arteta named a 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter in the starting eleven.

Jack Porter in the process became Arsenal’s youngest-ever player to start a first-team game.

Jack Porter of Arsenal celebrates after Declan Rice of Arsenal (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

At 16 years, 72 days old, Porter surpasses club icon Cesc Fabregas, who was 16 years, 177 days when he started against Rotherham in October 2003.

Porter was selected in place of first choice David Raya, who was ruled out with a thigh injury, Arsenal said. He is an England under-17 international and was a substitute for Arsenal’s game against Manchester City on Sunday.

He will be the second-youngest player to represent Arsenal’s first team. Ethan Nwaneri holds that record after coming on as a substitute aged 15 years, 181 days in September 2022.